Rubia Portillo Realtor

06/17/2026

Dreaming of that pest-free outdoor oasis? Consider a screened-in porch with this handy project outline.

A deck can be a little slice of paradise…except for the scorching sun by day and the insects by night. So why not turn that deck into a screened-in porch? Here’s an outline of what it takes. Get proposals. Using online and personal referrals, ask three contractors for proposals and quotes. Make ...

06/15/2026

Enjoying a vacation home rental might give you the idea of going in together with family or friends to buy your own place. Before you jump into joint ownership, read up on these vitally important questions to consider.

What if we go in together to buy our own vacation home? It sounds heavenly! But before you take the plunge, consider these important questions.

06/12/2026

Have some small spaces in your home? Mirrors can be used in a variety of ways to create the impression of more space.

06/11/2026

Your front porch is the first part of your home most guests see. Does yours say “Welcome!”? Here are some ideas to help.

Whether your front porch is a tiny stoop or a full-blown wraparound, you can decorate it just as you would any room in your home to make it a welcoming introduction to the rest of your house. Not only will you gain curb appeal, but you’ll also create a space where you and guests want to spend time...

06/10/2026

Choose a bed the same color as your pet’s fur to conceal dirt and shedding. Find other pet-friendly decorating tips here.

For many of us, a house wouldn’t be a home without a pet -- or two -- or several. But even the most ardent pet lover will admit that cat towers and giant dog beds do little for the decor of a home. Fortunately, there’s a plethora of products on the market that will keep your pet happy and your h...

06/08/2026

When purchasing a home, your Real Estate Agent has the contract expertise to help navigate uncertain terms and will know when to seek legal advice. Read on for more benefits, and then give me a call when you are ready to begin your home buying journey!

Whether buying a new house or an existing one, buyers typically feel more at ease having a real estate agent working on their behalf. It’s their job to make things go smoothly. Here’s how. Knowledge of builders. Real estate agents don’t just work with resale homes. Agents know the builders in ...

06/05/2026

Many families are opting for an in-law suite in the backyard. Its a great way to save money and keep family close by. Would you consider it?

06/04/2026

If you receive advance warning of an emergency, take the time to power up cellphones. Here are some more essential items for your preparations.

Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes strike indiscriminately, which means every homeowner should be prepared for life-threatening emergencies. Here are ten essential items to have on hand. A source of power. A generator will keep your refrigerator working to preserve food, and provide ligh...

06/03/2026

Determined to tackle that home painting project? Don't begin your work without checking this list of essential tools for the task.

Painting can be a big job, but with the right tools the task will be easier and the finished product more professional. Here are nine essential tools. Masking tape will keep paint off of adjacent areas where you don’t want it, making your job decidedly easier. Most often this will be masking trim ...

06/01/2026

Did you know that your credit card use and payment history account for 65 percent of your credit score? So use your credit cards wisely and pay bills on time. Learn more credit-boosting tips here.

Do you have bad credit? While legitimate credit repair services can help improve your credit scores, you can do the work yourself and save money. Here’s how. Pull your credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com. It’s free. Each credit reporting agency, Experian, Equifax and Transunion, will hav...